Nagpur FDA drive on loose edible oil finds rusty tins, suspends one trader's registration

Food safety rules have been flouted in Nagpur's edible oil trade, an inspection drive has found. The drive against the sale and trade of loose oil was carried out on the directions of the commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Several serious irregularities were detected.

During the inspections, conditions at some traders' establishments were found to be extremely unclean. At some places, it also emerged that old, rusted tins were being reused to pack edible oil. Officials said such negligence is a matter of serious concern from the food safety point of view.

The team also examined the licence recorded against one trader's product. On going through the documents, it emerged that the licence has been in place since 2014. According to an official, false documents were allegedly submitted to obtain the licence. The licence was also found to fall under the jurisdiction of the Central government.

A letter has been sent to the department concerned in the matter. The official alleged that the trader has been misleading the administration with false documents since 2014.

During the action, cleanliness and food safety rules were not seen to be followed at many places. As a result, one trader's registration certificate has been suspended.

Packing of edible oil in old, rusted tins at some establishments also came to light. Officials described such activities as a serious concern for customers' health.

Following the FDA action, questions have been raised about compliance with rules on cleanliness, packing and licensing in the edible oil business. On the basis of the irregularities found in the department's inspection, the process of further action in the related cases is under way.